— Some concerned about loss of views & potential park space —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — July 5, 2006) Some Osoyoos residents expressed concerns at a public hearing Tuesday on the fate of Osoyoos' prime piece of property. Others were fully in favour of the project.
A total of nine speakers were not in favour of the development as presented and five supported it; six others asked questions of developer Glen Harris.
Osoyoos Shoreline Development Ltd. proposes to build Osoyoos Lake Resort, a 153-unit hotel and townhouse complex with a convention facility, restaurant, health spa and retail commercial space at the foot of Main Street. Osoyoos residents had a first look at the plans for the old packinghouse site at three open houses prior to Tuesday's hearing.
Harris opened the hearing to present details of the development and to explain that through the process of public consultation, some changes had been made to the plans, including a new roofline, new colour scheme and a commitment to manage storm water on the site. He also outlined the project's economic and community benefits. Architect Mike Huggins spoke to the building's design.
The Town of Osoyoos also received five letters from the public. They raised concerns about the loss of the property as a potential park, the need to protect the lake, proper storm water management, a future dock at the site, the importance of view corridors, adherence to the goals of the Official Community Plan, accessibility to the beach and park, and the need to not rush to build something on the site.
Councillor Stu Wells questioned the illustrations depicting the building at street level and compared the three-storey height at Main Street to the height of power poles. His brother Terry Wells said he was overwhelmed by the scale of the development. Pointing to the 32-ft. height of the Sonora Centre's gymnasium, he wondered how the project's 40-ft. height would appear to people on Main Street.
Gwen Monteith stated in her letter the town should insist the development is built to strict conditions so that Osoyoos Lake is in no way compromised. We have the Bylaws and Committees available to help shape construction in this community, well before any permits are issued. Please use all diligence in making use of every avenue to give this community a structure¦that will offer a continuing positive effect on our lives.rnOsoyoos Now President Michael Ryan pointed out several areas of concern in his letter. He commended the developers for incorporating a lakeside public walkway into their design and for adding fountains and trees on the street side. However, overall, Ryan said the development's coverage is too dense. He also suggested more could be done to provide some public facilities or features that would enhance the enjoyment of the lake and the park for all, such as a lakeside café and central plaza with indoor/outdoor seating which could act as a gathering place. Other suggestions included an atrium style entrance on Main Street with an arcade going through the building from the street to the lake, underground parking for the townhouses, a more resident-friendly layout of the complex, and recognition of the site's historical significance. Many of these concerns were echoed by Virginia Cook in her written submission.
Those who spoke in favour of the development included Wes Thompson, who noted the need to fill up that hole. This development could be the pinnacle of our town. It's the right project at the right time. Marcie Moore noted she favoured the development because it stands to employ a lot of our youth. Alleson Mandziuk said she had seen a lot of changes to the property over the years and felt the development's lakeside trail would be a tremendous asset to the existing park and improve access to the lake.
Harris stressed the beach and park would remain public. It's a beach resort. Everyone is entitled to the beach. We have no intention to diminish beach access. He added he disagreed with the comments about the complex's exclusivity, stating that the patio, restaurant, convention space, retail shops and health spa would be accessible.
Harris said storm water management is a top priority and options are being considered.
I'm cautiously optimistic, he said after the hearing. It will be difficult to accommodate all concerns, but I heard some favourable opinions tonight along with the opposition speakers. I think we've got it right this time.
